Just wondering if anyone else had had their driving license revoked due to repeated syncope and how long the suspension lasted? I've been suspended for two and a half years (had had a year suspension several years previously for suspected epilepsy but diagnosis since is towards vasovagal syncope with vagally mediated high degree heart block) but have had no blackouts for the last 6 months so if this is still the case when I see the consultant in May I'll ask if I can reapply for my license. The guidelines from the DVLA don't seem to me to very clear for syncope, as opposed to epilepsy where they're very clear. Just wondered what everyone else's experiences were? Obviously I completely understand not being able to drive when there is a risk of blackouts but don't understand how the risk is calculated in this case.
Anyone else barred from driving due t... - Unexplained Faint...
Anyone else barred from driving due to syncope?
My 17 year old has disociative attacks her consultant says he will clear her for driving if she has a few weeks attack free, but won't clear her till then. As you say with epilepsy it is very clear but anything else there are no guidlines xxx
Hi Kirsty, thanks for your reply. Hoping your daughter's condition stabilises, obviously not just for the driving but also for the effect on her (and your) life. How often is she having attacks? Xxx
She was up to 30-40 a day at the moment she is down to approximately 6 which still has a huge effect on her life but she at least has one now x
That sounds like a big improvement - as you say, still a massive effect on her (and your) life but at least possible to live with. I hope you and your daughter get further help with how to manage her condition. Thinking of you x
Unlike epilepsy, when you have to be free of seizures for a year, losing a driving licence can vary from individual to individual and consultant to consultant. If a consultant is happy that you no longer present a risk and your condition is well under control, then he may well support your application to have your driving licence returned.
Thanks - I'll raise it again at my next appointment in May 
Hi, It took me about six months to get my license back after initially informing the DVLA about my NCS. They wrote to my cardiologist for details, and things bounced back and forth during that time. Eventually, I got my license back, and was told that I must refrain from driving for one month after any single blackout.
As has been previously pointed out, the guidelines for epilepsy are clear, however the guidelines for NCS and alike seem a rather grey area. Clearly, If I have a blackout and don't tell anyone about it then people are none-the-wiser.
I've learnt to manage my symptoms over the years, and combined with some brilliant results from fludrocortisone, I manage to get by. I know when I 'feel' syncopial, and try to refrain from driving as well as other triggering activities around those times.
Hi salter,
my consultant has just started me on fludrocortisone. I would be grateful if u could advise how long u were taking it before u felt an improvement? I'm on half a 1mg tablet per day, still not feeling symptomless.
Thanks.
Hi Lyns. I felt the difference pretty quickly, which I guess Is natural given the action of the drug. I started on half a tablet but still felt very symptomatic - although much better than before. I was quickly moved onto one tablet per day, which works wonders for me - although I am still mildly symptomatic
And u have no side effects?
My gp was reluctant for me to accept my consultants prescription for Fludrocortisone due to its addictivness and its long term use not being good for the body's immune system.
On taking a uni course and reducing my swim/exercise time last year to study.... I was miffed to have been diagnosed with gallstones, and then vasovagal syncopant :/ I'm on no other meds. I'm aiming to revert back to drug free after a gallbladder removal. Apparently exercise is a large part of managing syncope...
BUT its very comforting to learn of your success with using Flud.. and to know there is a possible 'fix' if my exercise attempts don't achieve expectations.
Thanks for replying Salter - if you do experience any side effects I would be interested in your comments.
Regards
Not any significant side effects as such. I have noticed my immune system isn't what it was, but I was warned about that by my cardiologist.
The side effects I was getting from midodrine were significant, so the cardiologist was keen to get me off them. As I said, I still do have some pre-syncopial spells, and do pass out now and then, but nothing compared to what it was like before I was on fludro. It's changed my life significantly.
On the “clinician” tab of the Stars web site is guidance on driving for doctors have you tried there?
Hi Technotit, I sympathise with your dilemma. I blacked out at the wheel last December. Went through loads of tests and found short burst of VT and also bradycardia. Since had a loop recorder fitted. Neither two Cardiologists nor DVLA are prepared to allow me to drive which I can understand given the serious nature of the incident. I am now seeking a second opinion to try and understand where I go from here. I am 65 and have been driving since I was 17. It is immensely frustrating and impacts on your independence. My Cardiologist suggested to me earlier this year that the risk of another incident whilst driving was extremely low; however, my view is that whilst the risk remains I will not drive until I have a clear outcome, albeit this may take some time. All the best.
Was banned 28 years ago, for life, as l will always faint, and have to go 12 months symptom free
Reflex anoxic seizures HELP!
What is your condition
Any advice? 
Midodrine
